Tess
I take a seat inside Wesley’s office and look up at the intimidating Alpha with wary eyes. He is dressed in a navy-colored suit, and his dark hair is slicked back. Everything about him screams man in charge, even how he carries himself. No wonder every female in the pack swoon at the sight of him, but all I can see is the danger radiating off him.
A shiver slips down my spine as I watch Wesley take a seat behind his desk. “Do you know why you’re here?”
I give him a faint nod since playing dumb isn’t going to get me anywhere. Wesley is too smart for that and would see right through the act.
“I see,” Wesley says and folds his hands over the table, looking thoughtful. “Well, that will make this easier.”
I wet my lips, daring to speak. “Will you get rid of me, sir?”
“Get rid of you?” Wesley repeats in a shocked voice and stares at me like I’m crazy for asking. “No. Of course not. You’re my mate’s friend, even if you’ve mysteriously turned into a human. That hasn’t changed, but I can’t lie. You’re definitely weaker than before now that you’re a human, and therefore I wish to offer you protection, Tess.”
“Protection?”
“Yes, I was going to offer you a room to stay at the mansion, and if you want to, I could also give you a job as my family’s future nanny. Lily told me you’re excellent with children.”
Wesley won’t get rid of me despite me not being a werewolf? Oh my god. Is he serious?
I’m beyond shocked by the offer and anxiously squirm in my seat. “I... Ummm...” I trail off, and Wesley offers me an out-of-character-friendly smile. It makes me relax a little, and the Alpha continues talking.
“Freddy is still out there and isn’t to be underestimated. I expect him to join one of the enemy packs just to get back at me for killing his sister. He probably doesn’t see himself as the one in the wrong, and if he joins forces with our enemies, it will become ugly quickly. I don’t have a Beta, and my Gamma is still recovering. It means everyone is at risk, especially Lily’s friends. Freddy might try to attack you guys, and since you’re a human, I worry the most about you.”
I gulp, feeling my heartbeat quicken as Wesley’s words sink in. It’s scary to think that someone might be coming after me, but at the same time, I’m relieved that Wesley is willing to protect me. “Thank you,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’m... I’m not sure what to say.”
Wesley chuckles, and the sound makes my heart flutter despite the gravity of the situation. And no, I’m not in love with my best friend’s mate. But he is still beautiful, so I can’t help but swoon a little in my seat.
I continue to watch him, and Wesley’s smile widens. “Just say yes, Tess,” he says, leaning back in his chair. “I promise I won’t bite.”
I can’t help the shy smile that tugs at the corner of my lips at his quip, but Wesley’s eyes darken as he looks at me, making me realize how vulnerable I am. Freddy is out there, and I might be a target. But if I stay here with Wesley and Lily, then I’ll be safe.
“I’ll stay,” I say, finally, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders as I make my decision. “And if you need a nanny, then I will gladly take on the responsibility.”
Wesley nods, his expression softening. “Thank you, Tess. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Relief settles over me like a thick blanket. I’m safe under the protection of the Alpha and the Luan pack. But at the back of my mind, I can’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. After all, I’m not a werewolf like them, and yet I’m being offered the same level of protection and care.
“Wesley, are you sure this is okay?” I ask, my voice wavering with uncertainty. “I mean, I’m not a werewolf like all of you. I don’t want to be a burden...”
“Don’t worry about it,” Wesley says, his voice gentle. “You’re Lily’s friend, and that makes you a part of our pack. I was going to take in all of you: Juanita and her daughter Sophia, Claudia, Jenny, and you. You are all important to Lily, and I want you to be official members of the pack. It doesn’t matter that you’re a human.”
I feel a lump form in my throat at his words. “T-thank you so much... that’s very kind of you.”
Wesley smiles. “I’m also not an idiot, Tess. You gave up your wolf to save Lucas’ life, didn’t you?”
I nod, feeling my cheeks heat up at the reminder. “I did,” I confirm, looking down at my hands. “He is my mate, and even if he doesn’t like me, I didn’t want him to die.”
“He will come around,” Wesley says, standing up to crack his shoulders. “And if not, then I will beat him up for you,” he gives me a mischievous smirk. “Because if you’re sad, then ultimately Lily will be sad, and you know what they say: happy wife, happy life.”
Despite my shy nature, I giggle. “You’re a good man, Wesley. I’m glad Lily met you.”
“Likewise,” he says. “Anyway, I suspect you don’t want to hang around my office all day, so you’re free to leave. If you’re lucky, you might find Lucas in the courtyard.”
I blink. “I thought he went home to his parents?”
“He doesn’t like his parents,” Wesley says. “And I suspect that he came here the minute he heard I wanted to talk with you,” he grins. “The man might be rude and arrogant, but there is no denying the fact that he is overprotective of you, Tess. And once he figures out that you’re the reason he isn’t dead, he will regret ever treating you badly.”
“Perhaps, but...” I tug on my sleeve, eyes caught on the floor as I stand up. “But I don’t want him to know that I saved his life.”
“Because you’re afraid he would be with you out of obligation?”
I nod.
“I see,” Wesley sighs. “Well, I will keep your secret then. I won’t even tell my wife.”
“Thank you, Alpha.”
His smile makes a return. “Just call me Wesley. We are practically family.”
I beam up at Wesley, and before I can stop myself, I hurry behind his desk to hug him. Wesley turns tense, but I don’t care. I’m very grateful to him.
“You are too kind, Wesley,” I whisper, feeling tears prickling at the corner of my eyes. “Thank you for accepting me and my friends.”
“Of course, Tess,” he says, patting my back. “Now go find your mate before he starts tearing up the place looking for you. He is probably—”
The door to Wesley’s office creaks open. When I turn around, I find Lucas glowering at us. He looks pissed off, and my first instinct is to back up from Lucas. I don’t want to give him the wrong idea, but Wesley doesn’t immediately release me.
Instead, I notice Wesley’s lips twitching with amusement before he squeezes me to his chest. My head rests against the hard plates that are his abs, and I freeze.
Is Wesley purposely trying to make Lucas jealous or something? No. That would be dumb. Why would Lucas get jealous? I bet he doesn’t even care about me.
But the thought is quickly dismissed when Wesley finally lets me go, and I turn to face Lucas. His eyes are still dark with anger, but I can see a flicker of something else there. Hurt, maybe? My heart squeezes at the thought of causing Lucas pain, and I take a step toward him.
“Lucas, I-I was just leaving,” I say softly, hoping to calm him down. “I’m guessing you have things to discuss with the Alpha. I’ll see you later?”
He nods curtly, and I can’t help but notice that he has recovered already.
Lucas’ face is no longer charred and red. Even his nose is back as he stands there, towering over me. It’s a little bit overwhelming. He is huge, and his muscles are bulging. For a second, I stare at him in wonder and can hardly believe how big he is. Even if Lucas has lost much of his muscle definition during his time in a hospital bed, he still looks powerful and downright intimidating.
He notices me looking, and it startles me to the point I quickly slip past him and leave through the door. As soon as I’m out of sight, I lean against the wall and let out a shaky breath. I don’t know what’s going on between me and Lucas, but I can’t deny that he evokes some passionate feelings in me.
I’m still lost in thought when I hear someone clear their throat next to me. I jump, startled, and spin around to see Lucas standing right behind me, his eyes dark and intense.
“Lucas,” I say, barely able to get the words out.
“Tess,” he growls, his voice low and rough. “We need to talk.”
My heart races as he steps closer, backing me up against the wall. I’m trapped but can’t deny the thrill that courses through me at his proximity.
“What do you want to talk about?” I ask, struggling to keep my voice steady.
“You,” he says, his eyes blazing.
“Me?” I repeat almost shyly.
“Mhm,” he mutters with his nostrils flaring.
“W-what about me?” I ask.
Lucas take a step closer, his dark head bent and those moody blue eyes locked on mine. He has changed from the hospital gown and is wearing dark jeans combined with a black wifebeater that leaves nothing up to the imagination.
His muscles ripple under his sun-kissed skin, and a smattering of dark hair covers his sculpted arms. I can’t help but wonder what else on Lucas’ body is covered with hair. What would it be like to touch him? His body is so strong and inviting and—
Lucas tilts his head. “Are you checking me out?”
My eyes. “N-no, of course not!”
“Good.” He smirks. “Because, as my babysitter, I imagine you would like to set some boundaries.”
Boundaries? Pfft. Hardly. I actually have the opposite problem when it comes to Lucas.
Suddenly, he snorts. “Oh geez, your face...” His lips form a knowing smirk. “I’m fucking with you, Tess.”
I stare at him, shocked at how uncharacteristically chatty he is today.
“I... I’m not sure if I’m following. What did you want to discuss with me again?” I ask, hoping he doesn’t notice how nervous I am.
“Your living arrangements,” he smiles, shocking me to the point I can’t stop staring. My eyes are locked on his white teeth—until he clears his throat and breaks my trance. “I want you to live with me in my mansion. You will get your own room, but...” he averts his eyes and scratches the back of his head before muttering, “I would be pleased if you kept reading to me every night.”
My lips part. I’m glassy-eyed and...shocked. I read to Lucas every night when he was lying on his deathbed, but I didn’t think he liked it.
“You don’t have to give your answer now,” Lucas quickly adds and frowns. “I rather have you think about it before shooting down my offer—”
“I will do it,” I blurt out before I can stop myself, and to my entertainment, it’s Lucas’ turn to look shocked.
He stares down at me. “You will?”
My cheeks turn molten hot, yet I manage a smile, “Mhm.”
Lucas grins and lifts his hand to brush a lock of hair from my face. His touch sends a shiver down my spine, and I can’t deny the spark of desire that ignites in my belly.
“Good,” he whispers. “Because I wouldn’t accept a no.”